Projects
The Marriage of a 19th century Painting and Frame
The 21st Century Marriage of a 19th Century Painting and Frame
A Question of Engagement
Our client arrived with this beautiful antique portrait and a 19th-century gilded frame that they purchased from an antique store.
At first glance it seemed to be the perfect match, however, the portrait width and height did not match the frame.
The portrait was also stretched onto an underbuilt, weak strainer. We needed to figure out how to preserve the integrity of both pieces, yet pair them for a harmonious presentation.
The Treatment
The painting was carefully stretched onto a new stretcher. The painting was cleaned, and the paint layer stabilized.
The antique frame was surface cleaned, and the lifting areas of the gilded surface were consolidated. The areas of loss ornamentation were replaced with casts made from other areas on the frame. The recreated areas were then gilded and toned to emulate age.
The Adaptation of the Frame
A series of three gilded small frame liners (fillets) were cut and installed to reduce the sight size (window opening) of the frame. When selecting and designing the layout of the fillets, great care was paid to emulate the aged frame finish and the historic design of the frame. The interior of the frame was built out to support the painting within. A moisture-resistant backing board was installed on the back of the painting.
Together Forever
With the careful attention to the modified design to marry the two pieces, one would assume that these have been together for generations. Now that these two beautiful nineteenth-century pieces now united, their historical presentation should elegantly withstand the test of time.
Contact us to learn more about how we can creatively assist with your conservation or framing project at
Our collection of educational articles about
custom framing, collection care, and emergency response are updated regularly.
Click on each topic below for a menu of corresponding articles.
Collection Care Articles
By April Hann Lanford
Our collection of educational articles provides an introduction to many topics about the preservation and conservation of fine art, antiques, and fine furniture.
Topics are often written as a result of questions provided by our clients.
Emergency Care Articles
By April Hann Lanford
Our emergency care articles are a helpful introduction to how to prevent damage through preventative measures or art and antique collections. When a disaster strikes, prompt response and taking the right steps can mitigate further damage.
Antique Trader Articles
By April Hann Lanford
Visit our collection of articles that have been published in Antique Trader.
antiquetrader
For more than 60 years Antique Trader has been inspiring, informing, and entertaining the collecting community with timely...
Projects
By April Hann Lanford
A selection of Artifact’s most recent projects highlighting our conservation and preservation work. We present each unique story describing the conservation process from reviewing the history, cause of loss, and condition to the steps of the treatment.
Glossary
A collection of art and conservation terms along with makers and firms compiled into a glossary and highlighted throughout our website for reference.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Conveniently receive
collection care tips and project stories
directly to your inbox
We are available to assist you
Main Location
840 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60642
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5:30pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: Closed
Complimentary parking is available in the loading zone in front of the building
We can also serve you by appointment at our other locations in the Chicagoland area.
Additional Locations
Schiller Park • Highland Park • Lake Forest • Lincoln Park • Nashville, TN
Copyright 2024, Artifact Services, LLC | An Artmill Group Company